USC freshman's perplexing exclusion from preseason list is not justifiable

It can be difficult for anyone to compile any list that takes into consideration all of the talent across the country. Even so, USC freshman Jahkeem 'Thanos' Stewart is someone that needs to be included in any preseason watching lists and All-American teams and, just in general, is one of the great talents to be on the lookout for who is poised to be able to immediately dominate.

When it comes to the On3 College Football Preseason True Freshman All-American Team, for some reason, Stewart failed to make enough of an impression for his being warranted to be listed in the final cut.

Not to speak down on any player that was listed ahead of him, but this is the exact type of preseason work that is published around this time of year that is certain to age poorly. Looking back, it will simply look too silly and odd to have not had Stewart on this team.

Time will show full potential of USC freshman

Fortunately, while these types of lists serve as an excellent starting point to initiate debate, it will all play out on the field anyway. Not that Stewart needed more of a push or motivating factor, but he will eventually have someone point out to him that he did not make the cut for On3. It could provide just a little extra spark of motivation in the moment for the defensive lineman.

In either event, on a defensive line that is improved in terms of talent and depth, Stewart is still going to be in a great position to see the field and make big-time plays during his first year in Troy.

With coach D'Anton Lynn set to show further improvement on that side of the ball for the Trojans, expect to see Stewart featured in 2025. Then, projecting even further ahead, Stewart has the talent and ability to be an early NFL draft pick by the time his upperclassman years come around.